On Saturday,
November 20, 2004, at Century Sheriff’s
Station in Lynwood, Captain Cecil Rhambo awarded diplomas to at-risk
teenagers who completed the V.I.D.A. program. In awarding diplomas to
12 young men and women, Captain Rhambo stated, “I am extremely
proud of these young men and women for displaying the dedication it takes
to complete this training program.” Captain Rhambo also presented
two $750 scholarship checks, as well as the Bishop Weeks Award to the
top graduates in the V.I.D.A. program.
The V.I.D.A. graduates are from Century, Compton, Lakewood, and Lennox
Sheriff’s
Stations, LAPD’s 77th, Harbor, and Southeast Divisions, Redondo Beach and
Bell Police Departments. |
The V.I.D.A. program is specifically designed to deal with youth by utilizing
proactive, innovative techniques for positive redirection. Overseen by law enforcement
personnel, the program offers treatment, prevention and punitive components to
alter negative behavior. The most typical scenario involves referrals from the
courts to the Sheriff’s Department and requests from parents to have their
children admitted to the program. Once admittance has been approved, the minor
is directed to the program’s available components, including anger management,
family counseling, mentoring, educational assistance, health training and physical
fitness, career guidance, tattoo removal, and community services, including graffiti
removal and weed and trash abatement.
In addition, clergy members from various communities throughout the County were
in attendance to offer aftercare support for the students and their families.
“It’s about building a strong working partnership between law enforcement,
community-based organizations, schools, and families so that these kids can have
a second chance. It’s about intervention in an effort to break a cycle
that has no future,” added Captain Rhambo.
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